Test Stand Lead Engineer

Astrobotic is enabling sustainable access and utilization of the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Through its recent acquisition of Masten Space Systems, we've been building and flying reusable rockets for nearly two decades with the most successful rocket-powered landings in the industry. We work directly with NASA, defense, and commercial customers to develop the tech it takes to break down the barriers to space. Together, we'll make wild napkin ideas possible by taking them from the lab, to the test site, all the way to the lunar surface and beyond.

This position will be the technical manager for one or more of Astrobotic's engine test stands (5K-25K lbf). Applicants should have a background in propulsion, with good technical understanding of launch vehicle subsystems and operations, as well as a record of leading test teams. Experience with cryogenic propulsions systems is required. This role will be responsible for ensuring safe operations of relevant test assets, and contributing to modifications or evolutions of key test assets, potentially including development of additional VTVL vehicles and Propulsion test stands. This position will be on-site in Mojave, CA with hybrid flexibility.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Maintain test worthiness of 5-25K pound-force (lbf) engine test stand (cryogenic bi-propellant), contribute to effective management of other propulsion test stands, and ensure safe test operations.
• Support budget and staff planning and management for test operations.
• Manage maintenance and overhaul planning and execution, including coordinating staffing, budget, and schedule needs with other teams.
• Contribute engineering and management expertise in the area of design, development, and test of launch vehicles and propulsion systems.
• Contribute to test campaign planning for engine testing, including reviewing and approving Test Readiness Reviews, Test Plans, and Data Reviews.
• Contribute to design, development, test, and operations for additional small Vertical Takeoff Vertical Landing (VTVL) vehicles.
• Manage people and processes effectively, particularly demonstrating an ability to understand and read team member well-being in a high-pressure test environment.
• Work with program management and engineering leadership to ensure team has technical understanding of test assets, operations and safety training, etc., including developing test-specific processes and standards.
• Develop and run component testing either as Test Conductor or provide engineering oversight for other team members.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to less experienced technical and operations team members.
• Engage with program management and business development teams to support customer outreach.
• Work with systems engineers to develop vehicle and test stand requirements, maintain appropriate documentation, and support design verification via test.
• Support project management by providing task lists and task dependencies, estimating labor and material cost requirements.
  
  

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, materials engineering, mechanical engineering, or engineering physics.
• 10 years of professional experience working with rocket and propulsion development, test, and flight operations.
• 5 years of experience in engine test.
• Experience as technical lead for launch vehicle, engine test stand, rocket subsystem, and/or experimental aircraft.
• Familiarity with explosive hazard calculations (Department of Defense Explosives Safety Regulation (DESR) 6055.09).
• Familiarity with pressurized component test and design requirements including American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) S-080-1998 Metallic Pressure Vessels, Pressurized Structures, and Pressure Components, and Air Force Space Command Manual (AFSPCMAN) 91-710 Range Safety User Requirements Manual.
• Familiarity with system cleanliness standards including Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology Standard (IEST-STD-CC1246), Marshall Space Flight Center Specification (MSFC-SPEC-164), or equivalent.
• Experience using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) to design parts/assemblies (SolidWorks preferred).
• Experience developing hardware from concept to working prototypes.
• Experience safely testing with and handling hazardous materials (cryogens, high pressure gas).
• Hands-on project experience with fluid and mechanical systems, preferably as a team or sub-team lead.
• Awareness of regulatory safety requirements (e.g., Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)).
• Hands-on fabrication skills.
• Development of subsystem requirements from system requirements.
• Openness to learning and mentoring on Astrobotic design and test philosophies from existing team.
  
  

Desired Skills & Qualifications:

• National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) propulsion and fluid system design and analysis software (Generalized Fluid System Simulation Program (GFSSP), Numerical Propulsion System Simulation (NPSS), Rocket Engine Transient Simulator (ROCETS), etc.).
• Experience with design of the ground support equipment (GSE) and tooling for engine manufacturing, testing, and maintenance.
  
  

Include with the application a copy of your resume and a portfolio at the end if you have one. All of these documents should be combined into one pdf document of less than 10MB and have a filename in the format of Lastname_Firstname.pdf. Only applications in this format will be reviewed. Your portfolio should show projects you have worked on in a hands-on capacity. School projects, prior work projects, or even home projects are acceptable. Include pictures and descriptions of what your part in the project was if it was a team project.

Salary:

The base salary range represents the low and high end of the anticipated salary range for this position. The actual base salary offered for this position will depend on numerous factors including individual performance, business objectives, and the candidates professional experience. Base salary is just one component of Astrobotic's competitive total rewards strategy.

Benefits:

Benefits include Medical, dental, vision, long and short-term disability, voluntary life insurance, FSA Plans, 401k and open PTO.

Export Control Regulations:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. person which includes U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) including those individuals granted refugee or asylum status, or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Astrobotic Technology, Inc. does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation:

If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to contact@astrobotic.com.